I made my semiannual trip to the mall yesterday. I go for the stroll
and enjoy the mounting holiday madness. One of my stops is Teavana.
This year I noticed they have double walled glass in just about every
conceivable configuration. The price is right for viewing the agony
of the leaves. I usually stand in front of the counter trying to
notice new stock while ignoring the clerks telling me about their
favorite tea. This time it struck me I would choose teas by the looks
of the grade since there is noway to taste. I even ignored the tin
cover waifing performance. Ive come to the conclusion from experience
a nice grade means a better all around tea. I picked up Assam Gold
Rain. One of the prettiest colored grades Ive seen in a long time.
As I said before buy any tea with the word Gold in it. It has one of
the better lasting finishes in any Assam Ive tasted in some time. The
decanted wet leaf in the pot has a salty smell. It hasnt lost its
jungle origins. The taste is light for an Assam with good aroma. It
also was one of the cheapest. My other choices Nine Dragon Golden
Needle, Golden Jade and Yunnan Emerald Buds. Ill mention them in the
next couple of days if anything else noteworthy besides the grade.

Jim